Australia’s coach Mickey Arthur said skipper Michael Clarke was trying to get fit for the fourth and final Test against India starting here on Friday.
Clarke is suffering from a recurrent back pain and batted with great discomfort in the Mohali Test.
“He is in a bit of pain but Clarke is a fighter. He will give himself every opportunity to get himself fit for the Test, no doubt about that. That will pan out closer to the time and we will give him every opportunity to get up for it because he is such a vital cog in our team,” Arthur told the Australian media.
If Clarke is unfit vice-captain Shane Watson is expected to lead the team. Clarke is also considering skipping the Indian Premier League, where he would play for Pune Warriors, Arthur said.
“We certainly wouldn’t put Pup at risk for what we’ve got ahead of us. We’ll cross that bridge when we have to but that will ultimately be Mike’s decision, obviously with some help from our medical team,” he said.
